JERRY OLEA
Nambulabog ang “halfies” issue nina Mister Supranational Philippines 2014 Brandon Espiritu at Mister Pilipinas Global 2025 Jether Palomo noong Hunyo 10, 2026, Miyerkules — dalawang araw bago ang pagdiriwang ng 128th Independence Day ng Pilipinas.
Kani-kanya ng hanash ang mga kontesero at kontesera, maging ang mga may dugo-banyaga na nasa lupang hinirang.
“Not a halfie, just a proud PINAY. Periodt [Philippine flag emoji]” emote sa Facebook ni Anita Rose Gomez, Miss Asia Pacific International Philippines 2025.
Tila nakiliti ang mga accla sa pasiklab ni Denver Argana (second runner-up sa Mister Fitness Supermodel World 2025) sa Facebook at Instagram.
Ani Denver: “I’m pure Pinoy! Pero sure ako mas malaki ung akin kaysa sa ibang halfies.”
May “essay” kapagkuwan si Denver sa usapin pero mas pinag-usapan yung kanyang one-liner.
KENNETH MARCELINO
Matapos i-announce ni Kenneth Marcelino sa magbebenta sila ni Kenneth Cabungcal ng isinuot na Bench underwear upang makalikom ng pondo, nag-post siya sa Facebook kaugnay sa payanig nina Brandon at Jether.
Ani forever grateful na si Kenneth M: “Being a halfie isn't the reason people succeed. It's what they do with the opportunities they're given.
“The Philippines has room for everyone. Talent, hard work, and determination don't come from a specific bloodline.
“As for me, I proudly represent our beloved country not as half, not as full, but simply as a Filipino who loves and is proud of the Philippines.
“At the end of the day, it's not about where your roots come from. It's about how you carry the flag and serve the country you call home.”
KIRK BONDAD
Lahad ni Mister International 2025 Kirk Bondad sa Instagram Stories: “A few years ago, I left Germany and moved to the Philippines to reconnect with a part of myself I felt was missing. It was the hardest and best decision so far.
“I understand why people feel strongly about identity, culture, and representation. I relate to that.
“I want to be clear that I don't agree with the comment that was made, and I would have approached the conversation differently.
“At the same time, I don't believe a single moment should define a person's character. We all say things we wish we had phrased differently. Once these situations become about punishment and pride, nobody really wins.
“I'm proud to be Filipino, and the Philippines has given me a sense of belonging, purpose, and some of the most meaningful experiences of my life, and I am eternally grateful for that.”
Magkaibigan sina Kirk at Brandon.
Read: Brandon Espiritu, Jether Palomo face backlash over "halfies" remark
MICHAEL CINCO
Andaming nag-share ng comment ng Dubai-based fashion designer na si Michael Cinco, “The nerve of these ordinary-looking guys acting superior when they don't even look like they have any foreign ancestry...
“They only come to the Philippines to build a career and gain followers...DUHHH...”
STACEY GABRIEL
Pasabog din ang mga binitiwang salita ni Miss Universe Philippines 2024 first runner-up Stacey Gabriel: "Disgraceful. You either embrace your Filipino heritage fully when you represent us or you don;t at all
"Thjis term 'halfies' is destructive, racially-motivated word designed to needlessly segregate us."
WINWYN MARQUEZ
FB post ni Winwyn Marquez, Reina Hispanoamericana 2017, “As a proud Filipina, this issue honestly made me sad and hit a nerve.
“I've had the privilege of representing the Philippines on an international stage that was completely unfamiliar to me. I was far from home, surrounded by people with different backgrounds and experiences, sabihin na natin hindi ako yung ‘mold’ but never once did I feel that being Filipino was something I had to make up for.
“Kaya sobrang disappointed ako nung nabasa ko yung remark.. Not because of the word itself, but because of what it seemed to imply.
“I've always believed that success comes from hard work, dedication, character, yung sacrifice and the pride you have in representing your country. Not from what's in your blood.
“I also think it's unfortunate when something is said with sooo much confidence, only to later become ‘that's not what I meant.’
“I genuinely hope there's reflection and growth after all of this, especially from someone who knows what it means to wear the Philippines sash.
“Because at the end of the day, this has nothing to do with being half or pure. If your heart is for your country.. if you're willing to put in the work, and if you represent it with pride, that's all that should matter. [Philippine flag emoji]”
GAZINI GANADOS
Sabi ni Miss Universe Philippines 2019 at Filipina-Palestenian Gazini Ganados na pumasok sa Top 5 ng MGI All Stars 2026: “Proud Pinay [Philippine flag emoji]. Halfies or not, no one can dictate what it means to be Filipino.
“My love for the Philippines is not measured by blood quantum, but by the pride, respect, and service I give to my country.
“Advance Happy Independence Day, mahal kong Pilipinas.”
IMELDA SCHWEIGHART
Tila nabunutan naman ng tinik si Miss Philippines Earth 2016 Imelda Schweighart na hindi siya ang "taya" ngayon sa pinag-uusapang isyu.
Facebook post ng confused na si Imelda: "Hindi ba pure pinoy si Jether Paloms? Si Brandon ang half?
"Hindi ko magets yung issue kung ang pinatatamaan ni Brandon ay si Jether pero hindi nagets ni Jether kaya kinampihan niya?
"Sorry nakiki marites.. ang sarap sa feeling na hindi ako ang taya wooh!"
Read: Brandon Espiritu faces fallout as brands cut ties over "halfies" remark
GORGY RULA
Noong Hunyo 8, 2026, Lunes, ay first day ng classes sa mga paaralan.
Noong umaga, niyanig ng magnitude 7.8 na lindol ang Mindanao. As we write this, 47 na ang napaulat na patay, samantalang 31 ang nawawala.
Read: First day of school turns tragic as powerful quake hits Mindanao
Noong Lunes ng hapon, namatay sa Dipaculao, Aurora ang dalawang basketbolista ng Ateneo de Manila University na sina Rene Clert N. Baterbonia ng Talacogon, Agusan del Sur, at Chukwuemeka Divine Adili ng Nigeria.
Read: Rene Baterbonia's mother not satisfied with Ateneo's explanation
Siyempre, andiyan pa rin ang mga kaganapan sa Senateserye.
Maliban sa mga usaping ito ay balitaktakan ang netizens sa “halfies” issue nina Brandon Espiritu at Jether Palomo.
Natanto na siguro nina Brandon at Jether ang wisdom behind, “Think before you click.”
Ang sabi nga — less talk, less mistakes. No talk, no mistake.
Narito ang ilan pa sa mga “sanaysay” na nakalap ng PEP Troika sa Facebook…
ANNE PATRICIA LORENZO DIAZ
Pahayag ng Miss International Queen Philippines 2025 na si Anne Patricis Lorenzo Diaz: “As someone who had the honor of representing the Philippines on the international stage, masasabi kong isa iyon sa pinaka-precious at pinaka-proud na accomplishment ko sa buong pageant career ko.
“Kaya honestly, nakakadismaya makakita ng ganitong klaseng comment coming from a former Mr. Philippines. Saying or implying that being a pure Filipino makes you weaker in pageantry while ‘halfies’ automatically have an extreme advantage is not only unfair it is insulting to many Filipinos who have excelled on the national and international stage.
“Excuse me, sir, pero napakaraming pure Filipinos ang nagbigay ng karangalan sa bansa. Nanalo sila at nagtagumpay hindi dahil may foreign blood sila, kundi dahil sa talento, sipag, disiplina, intelligence, charisma, at puso nilang lumaban para sa Pilipinas.
“At aminin man natin o hindi, may iilan pa ring Pilipino na may colonial mentality mas bilib, mas fascinated, at mas impressed agad sa mga tisoy, mestizo, o may lahing iba. Kaya kung tutuusin, dapat nga magpasalamat ka dahil niyakap at sinuportahan ka ng mga Pilipino.
“Kaya hearing this kind of statement from you is disappointing. It sends the wrong message and indirectly belittles the achievements of countless Filipinos who worked hard to earn their place on the international stage.
“Being Filipino is not a weakness. It is not a disadvantage. At hindi kailanman magiging sukatan ng potential ng isang kandidato ang dami ng dugong banyaga sa katawan niya.
“And for me? After reading that comment, that’s easily one million pogi points deducted. Masyadong feeling special at out of touch sa reality ng pageantry. Humility goes a long way, sir.”
Read: Kenneth Marcelino, Kenneth Cabungcal auction briefs to help earthquake-hit family in Mindanao
RJ DE VERA
Sabi ng Man Hot Star International 2023 na si RJ de Vera sa FB: “As someone who has competed and won on the international stage as a full-blooded Filipino, I respectfully disagree with the statement that the Philippines would have no chance without ‘halfies.’
“Beauty pageants are not won by bloodline, ethnicity, or being mixed-race. They are won through hard work, intelligence, preparation, confidence, character, and the ability to represent our country with pride.
“pinagmamalaki ko lahat ng Pilipinong kandidato full man o half. Pero huwag nating bawasan ang halaga ng mga Sucess ng mga full-blooded Filipinos sa pagsasabing wala kaming pag-asa kung wala ang mga halfies.
“Marami na kaming napatunayan, at marami pa kaming patutunayan.”
LLOYD FIGUERAS
Ni-repost ni RJ de Vera ang FB post ng Mr. Teenager Universe 2024 na si Lloyd Figueras.
Pagmamatwid ni Lloyd: “Ang aking ama ay Ilocano at ang aking ina ay Waray — dugong Pilipino, pusong Pilipino, at higit sa lahat, ipinagmamalaki kong ako ay isang Pilipino.
“Taliwas ang aking saloobin sa mga komento na ang tagumpay ng isang Pilipino sa pandaigdigang entablado ay nakasalalay lamang sa pagkakaroon ng dugong banyaga.
“Sa edad na labing-walo, ako ay nabigyan ng pribilehiyong makasampa sa entabladong internasyunal — isang kabataang nangarap lamang na bitbitin ang ngalan ng ating bansa sa larangan ng patimpalak.
“Sa gabay ng dangal, nag-aalab na puso, at walang kapantay na pagmamahal sa aking sining, kalakip ang mainit na suporta ng aking mga kababayan, mapalad kong naiuwi ang kauna-unahang titulo bilang Mister Teenager Universe na ginanap sa Bali, Indonesia.
“Ang tunay na anak ng bayan ay sinusukat sa kung paano niya ito niyayakap at itinuturing na kanya, purong Pilipino man o may bahid ng dugong banyaga.
“Suporta sa pahayag ng aking kapatid na si RJ De Vera!”
ENZO BONOAN
FB post ng Mister Filipinas-Cosmo 2026 na si Enzo Bonoan: “I've seen the comments... and I was sincerely disappointed.
“Being Filipino was never a percentage. (Hello, historically, our country has been a melting pot of different cultures.) It isn't something you earn by blood, by accent, or by how cleanly you can sing in Tagalog. No one is ‘more’ Filipino because of where they happened to grow up. And no one helps this country by standing above it.
“So to every Filipino reading this: you are enough.
“Whether you're in Tondo or in a barangay most people can't find on a map.
“Whether you're an OFW sacrificing for your family from the other side of the world. Whether your Tagalog is flawless, or you prefer to speak in Bisaya, Bicolano, Ilocano, or English. And even if you were born abroad or with mixed heritage. You are one of US and you are enough.
“The people who said those things are still my friends. And no, I'm not here to cancel anyone. But love that's real tells the truth... and the truth is those words were undoubtedly wrong, and they hurt people who deserve better. With that, I hope they learn and grow from this. And thankfully, I believe they can.
“Do know that when I carry our flag on the international stage this November, I don't carry it above you. I carry it BECAUSE of you. ALL of you.
“Full-blooded, half, homegrown, hyphenated, OFW - Filipino.
“That's the only flag I pledge to. [Philippine flag emoji]”
CINDY OBEÑITA
Pahayag ni Miss Intercontinental 2021 Cindy Obeñita: “As a pure-blooded Filipina who had the honor of representing the Philippines on the international stage, I respectfully disagree with the remarks made recently.
“With all due respect, Sir, our success in pageantry is not determined by being half-Filipino or having foreign ancestry. It is determined by preparation, intelligence, character, purpose, and the ability to carry our nation with pride.
“Let us be careful with our words. Aspirations are built on representation. When we tell young Filipinos they are ‘less than’ because of their bloodline, we diminish the very people we claim to inspire.”
Read: Tessa Prieto opens up about ex-husband's "infidelity"
MIKO SANTOS
Pahayag ni Miko Santos, second runner-up sa Mister Teenager Universe 2025: “As a patriotic, pure-blooded Filipino, I will always be honored to wear the Philippine sash across my chest on the global stage.
“In addition to my aspirations, I am representing the pride of the entire Filipino people by competing in an international pageant. I am a Filipino! I will always carry the name of the Philippines with dignity, respect, and pride wherever I go.
“Iba ang galing ng Pinoy! Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!”
NICO LOCCO
Hindi rin nakatiis na hindi mag-comment ang Italian-Canadian na si Nico Locco.
Aniya sa Facebook: “I gotta say what’s on my mind.
“Why does it have to be about race? If you genuinely represent the Philippines, wala dapat sa usapan yan.
“Knowing how to speak Filipino and appreciating the culture as a whole might be a good start. Race or nationality has nothing to do with it.
“I owe everything to the Philippines at grateful ako sa lahat ng dumating na opportunities dito.
"Wala akong karapatan mag comment o mang husga sa kahit anong larangan dito sa bansa, dahil maraming magagaling at talented Filipinos sa bansa. Respect.”
NOEL FERRER
Ito lang ang paniniwala ko — Halfies, full Pinoys, or anywhere in between, we proudly carry our Filipino roots wherever we go!
Half Filipino, Half Filipina, Represent!!!
Nagbigay rin ng saloobin ang iba pang pageant queens and kings sa isyung ito...
ROBERTA TAMONDONG
FB post ni Bb. Pilipinas Grand International 2022 Roberta Tamondong: "No matter where life takes me, my heart will always beat a little louder for the Philippines. It’s been an honor to represent our country.
"My roots are here.
"My heart is here.
"My pride is here.
"Proud of my culture.
"Proud of my journey.
"I am Proud to be a FILIPINA."
KENLEY FILARCA
Sabi naman ng Mister National Universe Philippines 2026 Kenley Filarca: "Swear! Sa National Pageant, hirap kami lumaban sa halfies. Lalo na ang boborta. Ang tatangos ng ilong. Siyempre pang-artista.
"Ano ba naman ang laban naming mga puro? May colonial mentality kasi ang mga Pinoy. Pag may halo, mas angat. Kita mo, kahit sa vloggers, madalas nag-fi-Filipino-baiting na rin.
"Pero share ko lang kung ano ang advantage ng puro sa may halo… pag puro kasi, alam mong paninindigan ka. Hindi ka tatalikuran, magchechange sash para makamit ang recognition… (thought ko lang naman to.)
"I have nothing against halfies… against lang ako sa mentality nila na kapag wala na mapiga sa Philippines, switch na sa kabilang citizenship.
"Sa mundong puno ng traydoran, iba parin ang may LOYALTY."
DOM CORILLA
Simpleng mensahe ni Mister Global 2024 Dom Corilla sa Instagram Story: Proud to have brought a title home for my beloved country."
ALEXIE BROOKS
Pagmamalaki naman ni Miss Eco International 2025 Alexie Brooks: A Proud Ilongga and Filipina!
"I am where I am today because of the Filipinos who believed in me long before others did. From the track, where I carried our flag at the Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) with pride, to the international pageant stage where I represented our nation, every step of my journey has been guided by the support of people who saw my potential and encouraged me to dream bigger.
"Representing the Philippines has always been one of the greatest honors of my life. It has taught me that patriotism is more than words, appearances, or where you come from. It is found in the sacrifices you make, the values you uphold, and the way you choose to serve and uplift your country.
"I carry my roots with me everywhere I go. They remind me to stay humble in moments of success, grateful in moments of challenge, and proud of the nation that helped shape my character.
"As we celebrate our nation’s freedom, I wish everyone a Happy Early Independence Day! May we continue to honor the courage, resilience, and unity that define us as Filipinos.
"Proud Pinay. Proud Ilongga. Proud Babaye. Proud Filipino.
"Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! Para sa bayan, noon, ngayon, at magpakailanman."
MATT GREGORIO
Saad naman ni Man Hot Star International 2nd runner-up Matt Gregorio sa Facebook post: "Ipinagmamalaking purong pilipino!
"A crown is never given because of appearance, heritage, or lineage. It is earned through heart, discipline, and purpose.
"Excellence is not defined by being mixed or pure, it is defined by dedication. Filipino greatness does not depend on comparison.
"We rise because we are fully rooted, fully proud, and fully Filipino."
YLLANA MARIE ADUANA
Hanash naman ni Miss Philippines Eart 2023 Yllana Marie Aduana: "As a full-blooded Filipina who shares and carries the same stories with so many Filipinos, I am deeply saddened and disappointed with the remarks made.
"The Philippines, despite setbacks and problems, is such a beautiful and strong country mainly because of the Filipinos that continue to fight, work hard, hope, and do everything to make the country a better place to live in.
"And because of that, I'm adamant it's something to be proud of, especially when you're Mister or Miss Philippines."
ANNA VALENCIA LAKRINI
Instagram post naman ng Filipino-German at Miss Globe 2023 second runner-up Anna Valencia Lakrini: "Sometimes people forget that pride in our heritage doesnt mean denying and excluding other parts of ourselves.
"I am Filipino. I have always been Filipino. I have represented my country and my Filipino heritage proudly and, when I later represented Germany, some have claimed that was me denying my Philippine culture, home, and blood.
"But my identity is not changed by the sashes I’ve worn, the places I’ve lived, or where my parents were born.
"I still remember the 8-year-old girl in me who cried every time she left the Philippines, because no other place in the world ever felt like home. That feeling never left me. It shaped me. It carried me through discrimination, through high school, through every moment I had to fight for my place.
"And yes, I grew up in another country, but that never erased where my heart has always belonged.
"When I chose to represent Germany, it was never about replacing one identity with another. It was about embracing all of who I am. Because I am not half of anything—I am WHOLE. And part of that wholeness is being proudly Filipino."
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Read: Dennis Padilla accepts daughters' decision to remove his surname